Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
Dear All;
Hi, first I just want to take my hat off to Dell for not going out of there way to make it impossible to upgrade an existing laptop. Also for publicly publishing the service manuals on the web which without would make it that much more difficult. If you are listening Dell a parts list would be very nice indeed as your parts department is clueless.
I purchased my Dell E1705 with a T2500 2Ghz processor and was very happy with it. But being the gear head that I am and the fact that I desired 64 bit computing when Dell announced that they would offer the Core 2 Duo for the E1705 I was overjoyed.
Having upgraded my 8200 in the past I knew already what I had to do. First get the service manual for the laptop which takes you step by step on how to take apart, and put the laptop back together completely. Just a slight warning to change the processor in the E1705 requires almost complete disassembly and should not be attempted by those individuals who have difficultly changing tires or who are hand tool challenged. Also, you must get A02 bios update from Dell otherwise it won't properly id the new cpu. Though even with the A02 bios update the system doesn't id the cache size properly and states that it's 0 bytes; though the Intel cpu-id program does.
Next you must obtain from Dell with quite some difficultly the processor thermal cooling assembly. It is recommended by Dell that if you change the cpu to change the thermal cooling assembly. It's not expensive at all under $20.00 and will keep your Dell notebook stock and in warranty. The problem is no ones knows the part numbers in the call centers, only the field service people do and you don't get to talk to one of them. You need a DF031 do to the job right. You could clean the old one off and use something like Arctic Silver 5(has capacitive properties, bad at high frequencies) or Ceramique (true electric insulator, better) instead. But it's you choice if you want to take the chance of burning up a $500 cpu along with the $1000 motherboard. If you happen to get lucky and get someone at Dell who isn't just a telephone operator than you can ask them if they have any upgraded fans or thermal assemblies and get them instead; good luck. Heat is a REAL issue with these cpu's a lot more so than Core Duo which is next to nothing so I suggest keeping it stock. Also get the fan control program from that German dude who writes I8kfanGUI for all the Dell's that are out there. This way when on AC you have the fans running at high all the time around 3800 rpm's; noise isn't an issue.
Next you must obtain an Core 2 Duo cpu. I'm a computer reseller, so I deal directly with distributors who deal directly with Intel. The retain box versions of these simply aren't available, not from Tech Data, Ingram Micro, and even Synnex who is particularly in with Intel due to there Intel white box notebook systems offerings. So how did I get one, when let’s just say I have a friend, who has a friend who has a friend, who has a friend in China. Mine is an T7400ES version and when I run the Intel CPUID program everything checks out fine. In fact most OEM's like Dell and HP are using these versions.
In addition to the tools recommended by DELL I suggest a small powerful magnet. You use the magnet to get those 20 or so 2.5mm screws out of the deep set holes without taking the chance of turning the notebook over and shaking them out so that they can be lost in the carpet. Stuff like that really really bounces quite far when it hits the floor. Plus I have very nosey pussy cats who are always under my feet.
So how do I like it, well I'm typing this post on it right now to you. It works great. It took me about 60-90 minutes to do the job the first time. Be careful when disconnecting connectors. Nothing in the laptop should require a great deal of force. Plastic tools at first, if they don't work try metal. The item that seems to stick the most was the cpu socket which required a little slightly more than gentle playing with. That doesn't mean its ok to use a powered anything tool on the laptop because it doesn’t. You can get a set of plastic screw drivers from any TV repair supply, as they are used to tune circuits than could be messed up by metal screw driver’s possible magnetic properties.
Good Luck and ask lots of questions as this is nothing to rush into if it's your first time. Get the proper tools as it makes all the difference in the world. Also, don't mix thermal greases like Arctic Silver with the thermal pad already on the heat sinks or thermal assemblies and this is not recommended by Arctic Silver themselves.
xor
Ps I recommend thermally breaking in the new thermal cooling assembly. I read that some where that you need to do that so that the pad start to conform to the cpu core. That doesn't mean running both cores at 100% all night in a non-air conditioned room. Moderation in everything with the exception of maybe sex with the person you love.
PPs I also upgraded my Intel 3945 to Dell Pre-N 1500 but that was a peice of cake. I plan to also go from Bluetooth 350 to 355, also a piece of cake.
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good read. good job!
still doesn't explain how someone can get a processor to upgrade their lappy
also, I'm not clear how you can keep your notebook "in warranty" after taking it ALL apart. -
I always purchased the drive over the laptop with your car insurance when I buy a system. I've upgraded laptops before my 8200 is an excellent example, had a motherboard failure, they came out to my house, replaced it, and put the upgraded cpu back in no questions asked. I then crushed the screen in my truck, which meant it had to be sent back to Dell. It went back with the self upgraded cpu and came back with the same upgraded cpu.
THEY DON"T CARE IS THE MORAL OF THE STORY HERE
xor
PS I'm a certified electronic technical with the degrees to back it up, and I do PC repair, so they really have no case. As long as you are certfied there isn't a problem. I even told them what I was going to do and my warrenty is still in effect, no one even mentioned warrenty to me on the phone. -
ditto
xor
PS If you don't have experience doing this you really shouldn't offer advice as it's just speculation on your part. No offense meant
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LOL xor.... Are you feeling inferior or something? Why not mention Japan where some gadgets release a year before they do in the States?
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Just got an email from Amazon that my T7200 will be shipped on Monday!
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haha dude, I'm from Canada, and no, I don't think that the States is the greatest country in the world. Probably the most hated country, yes, but not the greatest. Just a powerhouse of a country.
Just Upgraded My Dell E1705 to Intel Core 2 Duo(T7400) from Intel Core Duo(T2500)
Discussion in 'Dell' started by xor, Sep 17, 2006.
